Loading the kiln

[Larry]

This is my third kiln (Nyle L53) and I decided for what I do and how I saw using a forklift would be the best choice to load it.  I sticker off the saw and only want to handle the boards once.  My forklift is rated at 5,500 pounds but I'm sure it has picked up 6 thousand or more.  So.....I put on 6' fork extensions so I can easily sit a 4' wide pack inside the kiln and maintain the space between the pack and the doors.  700 board foot of really green white oak only weighs 3,640 pounds according to the calculator.  But with the fork extensions and extended all the way out bad things can happen.
 


May have to go with loading the lumber on a pallet like I've seen others do.  Or I could easily do two smaller packs.  I have enough kiln height that would not be a problem.

[customsawyer]

Don't go with smaller packs. Get a bigger loader. ;D

[Larry]

I like that idea but.....if I got a bigger machine I would need a bigger kiln.  Than I would need a faster sawmill.  More work and it would interfere with my 3 o'clock afternoon nap.

Naps are important!

[thecfarm]

Thought you might have been talking about the microwave.  :D

[Don P]

On a pallet, no extensions and then back up under the pallet, lift a little and slide it in. Those little lifts have amazing capacity.

[jpassardi]

Two smaller packs and stack them in the mill seems like the cheapest/easiest solution...and won't impact naptime.  ;)

[bushhog920]

I have the same forklift those piggybacks really shine around a small sawmill operation. Even have the truck to haul it and make delivery's. On my kiln I load a cart on tracks that gets pushed into the kiln.